Capsule Receptacle Movement to Prevent Pod Bin Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Used capsule or pod receptacles in liquid food or beverage machines often jam due to accumulated capsules or pods forming a heap that exceeds the receptacle's opening, leading to conflicts with the machine's housing when trying to empty the receptacle, and existing solutions like optical level detectors or counting systems are either expensive or result in inefficient space usage.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a mechanism to inhibit jamming by rearranging or displacing the receptacle's contents, such as through vibration, elevation, or reorientation, to ensure the level of fill does not interfere with the housing during removal, and adjusts storage space dynamically to prevent accumulation and improve emptying efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If capsules or pods are collected in a receptacle without level detection or counting mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the receptacle may jam when capsules accumulate above the housing level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the receptacle movable between a first position (inserted in the machine) and a second position (removed from the machine). This dynamic positioning allows the receptacle to adapt to different operational states: when in the first position, capsules can accumulate to maximum capacity; when moved to the second position, the receptacle clears from the housing to prevent jamming. This resolves the contradiction by introducing motion as a variable that simultaneously maintains simplicity and ensures reliable removal.
2Quantity of substance
If an optical level detector is used to prevent jamming, then the receptacle can be filled to the maximum level, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the system by removing the need for optical level detectors or counting mechanisms. Instead of using electronic detection to prevent jamming, the invention relies on the mechanical design where the receptacle's movement between positions naturally prevents jamming. This extraction of the detection function resolves the contradiction by achieving maximum storage capacity without adding complex detection systems.
3Reliability
If a capsule counting system is used to limit storage, then jamming is avoided, but the receptacle filling efficiency decreases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the receptacle with a specific geometric shape and positioning system that inherently prevents jamming before it can occur. The receptacle is designed with dimensions and angles that guide capsule accumulation in a controlled manner, and its movement to the second position is planned in advance to clear any potential jamming issue. This preliminary design approach resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliable jamming prevention without reducing filling efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution prevents jamming and optimizes storage space usage by ensuring the receptacle can be easily removed and emptied without interference, reducing waste and maintaining efficient operation of the machine.
Implementation Method 1
The receptacle is movable from a first position in which the receptacle is inserted in the machine to a second position in which the receptacle is removed from the machine
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a~5b
AI summary
A machine for preparing liquid food or beverage from a beverage or food ingredient contained in a capsule or pod, comprises: a liquid food or beverage preparation unit (2) arranged to receive capsules or pods for use and evacuate capsules or pods upon use; a housing (9) having an opening (5') leading into a seat (5) to which capsules or pods are evacuated from the preparation unit; and a receptacle (30) having a cavity (30') forming a storage space for collecting capsules or pods evacuated to the seat into the receptacle to a level of fill. The receptacle is insertable into the seat for collecting capsules or pods and is removable from the seat for emptying the collected capsules or pods. The prepration machine further comprises means to inhibit jamming of the receptacle at removal from the seat when the level of fill in the receptacle extends above the opening of the housing.